As most folks are aware, Lake City singer/songwriter and all-around gentle spirit Seth Bernard is a close friend to Kalamazoo.

We'll get a chance to show him support at 9:30 Thursday at Bell's Eccentric Cafe when he releases his new CD, "This Here," on his label Earthwork Music. Bernard said a good portion of the CD was recorded in Kalamazoo. If that's not enough, check out this list of musicians performing with him tonight:

-- Squeaky Clean Cretins, a folk rock band from the Upper Peninsula's Allouez, will open.

Jonathon Gruenke / GazetteTom Huff, center, is awaiting a final inspection from the state's liquor control commission before opening his whiskey/scotch bar Winston's. Huff is flanked by his daughter, Natalie Valentine, left, and general manager Mark Morey.

AGING NICELY

Downtown whiskey bar, Winston's, nearing opening date

If you've strolled by or driven down East Michigan Avenue in the past week or so, you've probably spotted the storefront next to the London Grill with "Winston's" on it.
It will be downtown's new whiskey and scotch bar, named after British politician Winston Churchill. It's owned by Tom Huff, president of Peregrine Realty, which also owns the neighboring London Grill building, among other properties.

In December, I reported that Huff hoped to open Winston's in January. Things haven't gone exactly to plan, but he said he's getting closer.

Huff didn't give an exact opening date, but he said he's waiting for a final inspection from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission.

Huff said the 2,000-square-foot building at 224 E. Michigan Ave. will specialize in scotch and whiskey with the "most extensive inventory" in the area. Scotland and Ireland will be well-represented.

"What we are attempting to do is establish a very comfortable bar, specializing in scotch and whiskeys consistent with the British Empire," he said.

It will have a capacity of about 90 people. There will be a small room available for rent for special events. He also wanted to have a cigar room, but those plans are getting a second look as the possible smoking ban moves through the state legislature. Winston's also will serve small plates and desserts and will be decorated with old Scottish photos and quotes from Churchill. One of Huff's favorites is from a famous exchange between Churchill and Lady Astor.

Following a series of heated debates between the two politicians, Lady Astor said to Churchill:

Kate Batdorff / Grand Rapids PressDelilah DeWylde and the Lost Boys
The band is made up of Delilah DeWylde: Upright bass and vocals, JOHNNY HIWATT on Lap steel guitar, acoustic rhythm guitar, vocals, DJ McCoy-drum, and Lee Harvey: lead electric guitar. Delilah DeWylde will perform in the Kalamazoo area this spring.

BALANCING ACT

Delilah DeWylde to show off upright bass acrobatics

The Grand Rapids rockabilly/country band Delilah DeWylde and the Lost Boys put on an uplifting show.

When the spirit moves her, DeWylde has been known to stand on top of her upright bass. It's a wild sight you'll have two chances to see this weekend.

You can see the band at 9 p.m. Friday at the Old Hat Brewery in Lawton and at 9 p.m. Saturday at Cruiser's Pub in Portage.

"Is this what you wanted? D--- dogs are alcoholics."
-- Said by a man to his two dogs sitting in the back of his pickup truck as he held up a six-pack of Miller Chill in a gas station parking lot off I-94 (exit 153).

RUFUS IS NEEDED

I continue to plug away at this campaign to bring Rufus Wainwright to Kalamazoo.
Please join in by going to his Web sites -- www.rufuswainwright.com and www.myspace.com/rufuswainwright -- and ask him to play here. You also can go to eventful.com and "demand" him. Your help is appreciated.